Vikings running back Aaron Jones was an obvious cut candidate entering this year’s offseason, but the franchise and the player agreed on a revised deal to keep him around for a third season. That ruined another organization’s plans.

It turns out, the Washington Commanders were interested in his services for the upcoming season.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed in his pre-draft nuggets, “Even if Love does not wind up going No. 3, he will not slide far. The Commanders at No. 7 would seem to be his floor. Last spring, the Commanders planned to pursue Aaron Jones Sr. before he returned to the Vikings.”

Jones’ exit was a foregone conclusion at one point, and even reports about his release surfaced. Too tasty were the $7.75 million in cap space the club could have saved by releasing the ball-carrier.

Ultimately, Jones took a pay cut and avoided a move. The difference between a pay cut and potential savings ended up too insignificant for a divorce to make sense for Minnesota. Finding a replacement would’ve cost more and perhaps still be a downgrade.

Schefter added about Washington’s possible draft plans: “This offseason, Washington added Rachaad White and Jerome Ford to join Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but the team still does not have much money invested in the position. If the opportunity presents itself, some expect the Commanders would rush to turn in the card for Love, giving Washington a great offensive tandem with him and Jayden Daniels.”

Jeremiyah Love, the crown jewel of this year’s running back class, might be off the board before the Commanders are on the clock, but if he’s there, the prospects of pairing the dynamic runner with quarterback Jayden Daniels are intriguing.

The Vikings were considered a potential destination for Love throughout the 2025 season, but the strong finish with a five-game winning streak ended that speculation.

Instead, it’ll continue to be a timeshare between last year’s trade acquisition, Jordan Mason, and 2024 free-agent addition Jones. The reality that both enter the season with free agency looming next March could put running back on this year’s draft menu.

In addition to the short-term contract, his age rules out any long-term plans. At 31, a significant decline could happen at any point, especially for a player who has dealt with injuries for years. A hamstring injury cost him five games last year.

Still, he was solid in 2025, ranking in the middle of the pack in EPA/rush (23rd/49 eligible RBs), success rate (16th/49), and TFL percentage (19th/49). The counting numbers showed 548 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with a receiving output of 199 yards and one score.

Jones is one of the premier third-down backs in the league, as he brings a rare combination of sure hands and blocking talent to the table. Most receiving backs are smaller and lack the oomph in pass protection.

He’s also a key component in the leadership structure. When the club and the runner agreed on a new deal, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero noted, “The Vikings never wanted to let go of Aaron Jones, who is a strong locker room presence and still effective when healthy at age 31. The sides worked towards a new deal and found common ground to keep in purple for another season.”

The pairing between Mason and Jones is a good fit on paper, as Jones is the more shifty technician, while Mason brings the size and power to run over defenders. Adding a rookie in the draft could complete the running back room for the upcoming season. Depth rusher Zavier Scott remains from last year, while 2022 draftee Ty Chandler was not retained in free agency.

Jones will wear the purple colors in the 2026 season and it’s good to know that at least one other team was interested in his services. The veteran is just one year removed from a season with over 1,500 scrimmage yards.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt

England great Gary Lineker has backed Arsenal to notch their first Premier League title in 22 years despite recently crashing to a 2-1 league loss at Manchester City.

Earlier this Sunday (April 19), the Gunners tasted their fourth defeat in six matches across all competitions at Etihad Stadium. Rayan Cherki opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Kai Havertz’s equaliser two minutes later. Erling Haaland’s goal in the 65th minute ultimately prove to be the difference between the two footballing giants.

After losing to Pep Guardiola’s side, Arsenal are still atop the Premier League table with 70 points from 33 matches. On the other hand, Manchester City are in second place with 67 points from 32 games, and could dethrone the Gunners after beating Burnley on Wednesday (April 22).

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker provided his two cents on Mikel Arteta’s side and their ongoing quest to end their Premier League title drought. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker said (h/t Mirror):

“It’s not impossible that it’ll be down to goal difference and it is very, very close. It’s great for the neutrals because you want it to go as close as you can right at the death, so in that sense it was good. I feel a little bit for Arsenal, they’re going through it a little bit but they’re still in the semi-final of the Champions League, they’ve got plenty to play for, they can still win the Premier League title.”

The 1986 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner added:

“A lot of people will go, ‘Arsenal have choked’, it could still be a memorable season for them, I’m not going to jump on that bandwagon that they’re going to throw it away, it’s too soon to say that. They did show something, even though it didn’t go their way, it could have been different.”

Arteta’s club will face Newcastle United in the league on Saturday before taking on Atletico Madrid in a UEFA Champions League tie on April 29.

Arsenal star targeted by European giants

According to French outlet L’Equipe, Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli’s entourage has met with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) sporting director Luis Campos of late. He is believed to be a summer target for the Parisians.

Martinelli, 24, could be sold by the north London outfit this summer as his contract will expire in June 2027. He has also struggled to start Premier League games this season, scoring one goal in just 10 starts so far.

Overall, the Brazilian attacker has bagged 62 goals and provided 35 assists in 272 overall appearances for the Emirates Stadium outfit so far.